Barn fire in Luton drags on over 24 hours

Stewart Carr

A barn fire in Luton continues to burn over 24 hours since it was reported – with over 50 firefighters tackling it since yesterday (July 12).

Beds Fire and Rescue Service were inundated with some 87 calls about the fire at Newlands Farm, as plumes of smoke from the blaze could be seen from the M1 and Luton Airport.

The scene of the fire

The first call was received at 10.43 on Sunday morning.

When fire fighters arrived at the farm they found the barn – filled with about 100 tonnes of straw – one third of which was already on fire.

After bringing the fire under control, the decision was taken with the Environment Agency to let the fire burn itself out.

Since 4pm yesterday, fire crews have been rotating during the night to ensure the fire remains under control. It is expected to be extinguished later today.

A Beds Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Because of the fire’s proximity to the M1 and Luton Airport both the Highways Agency and Airport were informed and took appropriate action to warn drivers and pilots of the incident.

“There was no threat to either transport route with the M1 staying open and the airport continuing to operate.

“Fire Control continues to receive calls from drivers on the motorway, and the fire service is asking drivers on the M1 not to call in about smoke at J10 as we are well aware of the incident.

“Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank all those who have called about the incident.”

As part of the incident Firefighters helped protect a collection of snakes in a building opposite the barn fire by shielded it with a water curtain and other measures.

As snakes only have one lung there was concern for the snakes’ welfare and Firefighters assisted the owners of the reptiles in ensuring they were safe.